Coin-operated timer assembly



Nov. 3, 1964 R. w. NEW

COIN-OPERATED TIMER ASSEMBLY 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 11, 1961 h? i-z fiz/JJ e W Ne w INVENTOR.

BY 15% v,

ATTOl-P/Vf VJ Nov. 3, 1964 Rqw. NEW 3, 5

COIN-OPERATED TIMER ASSEMBLY Filed July 11, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 fvuJJ e W /V@ w i INVENTOR.

n BY

Nov. 3, 1964 R. w. NEW 3 55 COIN-OPERATED TIMER ASSEMBLY Filed July 11, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 H i H! F 2/ lllllllllllllll llllllllllllfi Z7 15 l g X I): I

My 23 /6-7' l 25 FJ U J7 l\ 39 E M f J: I I F I 5 /JJ@/ W. New

,/ INVENTOR.

United States Patent M 3,155,219 CillN-OPERATED TEMER ASsEME-LY Russel W. New, Dallas, Ten, assignor to Meter-All Mfg. Co, inc, Dallas, Tern, a corporation of Texas Filed .iuly 11, 1%1, S93. No. 123,157 9 Claims. (til. 194 l.)

This invention relates to improvements in coin-operated timer devices used to control laundry machines and the like. In one of its aspects, it relates to a panel ssernbly which includes a coin acceptor-rejector mechanism arranged so the mechanism can be removed without disma tling the entire assembly.

In coin-operated timing devices for controlling laundry equipment and the like, it is frequently desirable that the timing device be mounted on the back of a small panel to produce a compact assembly. There are several reasons for this. First, the spa e inside the controlled machine is frequently at a premium. Secondly, the machine may be made by one manufacturer and the timer assembly by another. The machine manufacturer usually desires a packaged unit which can be simply and readily mounted in his machine. Third, when the operator-owner of the machine desires to adjust, clean or repair any part of the assembly, he can remove all of it simply by loosening the front panel and pulling the assembly from the machine, thus avoiding a time-consuming piece by piece removal.

The packaging of the timer assembly on a small removable panel presents several problems. In the first place, the coin acceptor-rejector unit must be removed from time to time in order to clean it. The functioning of this mechanism is impaired by accumulation of dirt or grease from the atmosphere or from the coins as they slide through. "in order that the coin receiving and discharge openings of the acceptor-rejector mechanism can be properly positioned to receive and discharge coins in the proper manner, the mechanism must be positioned adjacent the panel and this makes it necessary to mount the timer to the rear of and overlying the mechanism. This then presents the problem of being able to remove the acceptor-rejector mechanism without having to also remove the timer and in effect, completely dismantle the assembly.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a coin-operated timer assembly in which the acceptor-rejector mechanism can be removed for cleaning and the like in a very simple manner and without otherwise dismantling the assembly.

Another object is to provide such an assembly into which the acceptor-rejector mechanism can be simply slid sidewise into position and after latching in place, it will automatically and positively be accurately aligned to receive and discharge coins.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon a consideration of the specification, claims and the attached drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear View of a panel having a coin acceptorrejector mechanism mounted thereon, but with the timing device removed to better illustrate the arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a view taken on the line 22 and illustrates the entire assembly;

FIG. 3 is a view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1 to further illustrate the construction of the coin-receiving slot and the arrangement for turning the coin for deposit into the acceptor-rejector mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 and further illustrates the means for releasably holdin the acceptor-rejector mechanism in place; and

FIG. 5 is a view taken on l ne 55 of PEG. 1 to illus- 3,1552% l mented Nov. 3., 1954 trate an arrangement for preventing coins from being accepted while the controlled machine is in operation.

Like reference numerals will be used throughout the several views to designate like parts.

Referring to the drawings, front panel is adapted to be received and locked in place in a corresponding opening in the machine to be controlled, such as a washer, dryer or the like. For example, it can be provided with a lower flange 11 for the lower edge of the machines panel to fit into to hold the bottom in place and a lock 12, coop crating with the machines panel to hold the top in place.

The acceptonrejector mechanism 13 is mounted at the back of the panel and parallel thereto on a plurality of posts l4ll7. It will be noted from FIG. 4 that posts 16 and l? are notched as at 13 to receive the acceptor-rejector mechanism therein. In effect then, this notch provides abutments l9 and 20 for positioning and holding the acceptor-rejector mechanism. The posts are also equipped with clips 21 and 22 to provide the balance of the notch and a third abutment for the other side of the mechanism. It will be noted that these clips are positioned so that they slope outwardly and away from the notch so that when the mechanism is slid sidewise (to the left in FIG. 4), it will be guided into proper position into the notch. To assist in this, the posts can be chamfered at 41. Of course, clips 21 and 22 can be formed as integral parts of the posts.

Means are provided for releasably holding the coin acceptor-rejector mechanism in place and yet are releasable so that the mechanism can be slid sidewise from the assembly. Such means includes the resilient spring clips 23 and 24 respectively pivotally mounted on posts 14 and 15 as by screws 25 and 26. As will be seen from FIG. 4, the upper ends of these clips are turned in as at 27 so that they overlie the mechanism to hold it in place on top of posts 14 and 15.

Thus, it will be seen that since the clips are resilient, the upper ends thereof can be flexed outwardly and the clips pivoted ninety degrees, thereby clearing the tops of posts 14 and 15 so that the acceptor-rejector mechanism can he slid sidewise out of the unit. It will be noted that this can be done without first removing the timer 28.

Timer 28 can be of any desired structure so long as it is coin-operated. By this is meant that a coin will in and of itself initiate the timing cycle as by dropping from the acceptonrejector mechanism to temporaily close switch 25 to send an electrical pulse to the timer. Ordinarily, the timing cycle will be terminated by the timer itself. Units of this type are commercially available on the market today and particular reference is made to the one shown in my co-pending application, Serial No. 25,286 filed April 28, 1960, now Patent No. 3,114,443. At any rate, the timer includes a bracket 39 fastened at one end to posts 31 extending from the front panel and at the other end, it is fastened to the reject coin chute 36 on the front panel, as by screw 32.

The front panel has a horizontal coin receiving slot 33 and just below this slot is a part 34 having a downwardly curving surface 35. The coin can slide downwardly over this surface to be reoriented from a horizontal to an essentially vertical position so that it can be deposited in the coin inlet 36 to the acceptor-rejector mechanism.

Part 34 can be made integral with the front panel and actually can comprise a number of spaced apart plate coin discharge opening 37 from the acceptor-rejector mechanism.

In order to prevent coins from being accepted by the assembly while the controlled machine is in operation,

means can be provided for diverting such coins to the reject coin chute while the machine is in operation, but permitting acceptance of the coins when the machine is shut down. Such means is shown here as including a solenoid 38 controlling a diverter arm 39 which is spring loaded so that when the solenoid is not energized, the end of the arm will protrude through an opening in the acceptor-rejector mechanism to divert all coins into the reject chute. By connecting the solenoid 38 so that it is tie-energized while the controlled machine is in operation, all coins deposited during such period will be rejected. Then upon shutting down the controlled machine, the solenoid is energized to retract the diverter arm 39, permitting the coins to be accepted.

Thus, it will be seen that the assembly can be provided as a package which can be simply inserted into and locked in place in an opening in the controlled machine. Then when it is desirable to remove the acceptor-rejector mechanism, such as for cleaning, the panel can be re moved, taking with it the remainder of the assembly. Then the spring clips 23 and 24 can be turned down, permitting the acceptor-rejector mechanism to he slid sidewise out of the assembly. It can be replaced by reversing this operation.

The coin acceptor-rejector mechanism is a standard article of commerce and hence, details of the structure need not be given. For example, these devices are available from National Rejectors, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri, and their model numbers 1-03-0O5 and 1-03-006 have been found to be quite satisfactory. Other types of rejectors can be used, but may require some slight modification such as in the size and location of the notch 18 or of clips 23 and 24.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombiriations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having been described, what is claimed is:

l. A coin operated timer assembly for laundry equipment and the like comprising a front panel having a coin receiving slot therethrough, a plurality of posts extending from the back of the panel, a coin acceptor-rejector mechanism abutting said posts so as to be spaced from but parallel to said panel and being positioned to receive coins from said slot, a coin return chute on said panel to receive coins rejected by said mechanism, a timer device mounted on the back of said panel independently of said mechanism and spaced from said panel, said mechanism being disposed between said timer device and said panel and said posts providing an opening at one lateral side of the assembly through which said mechanism can be moved sidewise and into and out of the assembly, and means holding said mechanism on said posts and releasable to permit the mechanism to be moved sidewise out of the assembly without first removing said timer device.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said holding means includes a notch provided in a post to receive the mecha nism of one side thereof, said notch having portions flaring outwardly to facilitate sliding the mechanism into the notch, and a resilient clip pivoted to another post on the other side of the mechanism and having a bent end portion for overlying the mechanism to hold it in place.

3. A coin-operated timer assembly for laundry equipment and the like comprising a front panel having a coin receiving slot therethrough, a plurality of posts extending from the back of the panel, a coin acceptor-rejector mechanism abutting said posts so as to be spaced from but parallel to said panel and having a coin inlet and a coin reject outlet, a coin guide on said panel for guiding a coin from said receiving slot to the coin inlet of said mechanism, a coin return chute on said panel opening out to the front thereof and in coin-receiving communication with the coin reject outlet of said mechanism, a timer device mounted on the back of said panel independently of said mechanism and spaced from said panel, said mechanism being disposed between said timer device and said panel and said posts providing an opening at one lateral side of the assembl through which said mechanism can be moved sidewise into and out of the assembly, and means holding said mechanism on said posts and releasable to permit the mechanism to be moved sidewise out of the assembly without first removing said timer device.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said coin receiving slot is disposed horizontally and said coin guide includes a part having a surface curving downwardly from the slot to the coin inlet of said mechanism so that a coin, when deposited, is turned from the horizontal to a vertical position.

5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said means holding said mechanism on said posts includes a part pivoted to a post to hold the mechanism against sidewise movement but pivoted to an out-of-way position for permitting such sidewise movement.

6. A coin-operated timer assembly for laundry equipment and the like comprising a front panel having a coinreceiving slot therethrough, a plurality of posts extending from the back of the panel, a coin acceptor-rejector mechanism abutting said posts so as to be spaced from but parallel to said panel and being positioned to receive coins from said slot, a coin return chute on said panel to receive coins rejected by said mechanism, a timer device mounted on the back of said panel independently of said mechanism and spaced from said panel, said mechanism being disposed between said timer device and said panel and said posts providing an opening at one lateral side of the assembly through which said mechanism can be moved sidewise into and out of the assembly, and means for holding said mechanism on said posts, said means comprising a notch provided in at least one post on at least one side of the mechanism, said notch having portions flaring outwardly to facilitate sliding the mechanism into the notch, and a resilient clip pivoted to another post located on the other side of the mechanism and having a bent end portion for overlying the mechanism to hold it in place.

7. A coin-operated timer assembly for laundry equipment and the like comprising a front panel having a coin-receiving slot therethrough, a plurality of posts extending from the back of the panel, a coin acceptorrejector mechanism abutting said posts so as to be spaced from but parallel to said panel and having a coin inlet and a coin reject outlet, a coin guide on said panel for guiding a coin from said receiving slot to the coin inlet of said mechanism, a coin return chute on said panel opening out to the front thereof and in coin-receiving communication with the coin reject outlet of said mechanism, a timer device mounted on the back of said panel and overlying said mechanism, and means holding said mechanism on said posts and releasable to permit the mechanism to be moved sideways out of the assembly without first removing said timer device, said holding means comprising a member pivoted to the post located on the side from which the acceptor-rejector mechanism is to be removed, said member being pivoted to the post so that it can be rotated to an out-of-the-way position for allowing such sideways movement of the acceptorrejector mechanism.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said coin-receiving slot is disposed horizontally and said coin guide includes 5 a part having a surface curving downwardly from the slot to the coin inlet of said mechanism so that a coin, when deposited, is turned from the horizontal to a vertical position.

9. In a coin-operated timer assembly for coin-operated laundry and the like having a front panel arranged for supporting the assembly in place on the machine, a timer mechanism, and an acceptor-rejector mechanism carried by the front panel, the acceptor-rejector mechanism being located between the front panel and the timer mechanism, the improvement comprising in combination therewith of means for mounting the acceptor-rejector mechanism so that it can be removed laterally from between the panel and the acceptor-rejector assembly without having to disassemble the timer mechanism from the front panel, said mounting means comprising a plurality of support members extending perpendicularly from the front panel with the support members on one side of the acceptor-rejector mechanism having shoulders which engage the front side of the acceptor-rejector mechanism and resilient means which resiliently hold the acceptor-rejector mechanism against the shoulder, rotatable resilient clips carried by the support members on the opposite side of the acceptorrejector mechanism so that the rotatable clips can be moved out of engagement with the acceptor-rejector mechanism allowing it to be moved laterally into and out of position on the support members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,873,755 Gibson Aug. 23, 1932 2,072,505 Knee Mar. 2, 1937 2,538,358 Farrell Jan. 16, 1951 2,593,813 Van Derwalker Apr. 22, 1952 2,612,975 Gallagher et a1. Oct. 7, 1952 2,932,374 Nicolaus Apr. 12, 1960 

1. A COIN OPERATED TIMER ASSEMBLY FOR LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT AND THE LIKE COMPRISING A FRONT PANEL HAVING A COIN RECEIVING SLOT THERETHROUGH, A PLURALITY OF POSTS EXTENDING FROM THE BACK OF THE PANEL, A COIN ACCEPTOR-REJECTOR MECHANISM ABUTTING SAID POSTS SO AS TO BE SPACED FROM BUT PARALLEL TO SAID PANEL AND BEING POSITIONED TO RECEIVE COINS FROM SAID SLOT, A COIN RETURN CHUTE ON SAID PANEL TO RECEIVE COINS REJECTED BY SAID MECHANISM, A TIMER DEVICE MOUNTED ON THE BACK OF SAID PANEL INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID MECHANISM AND SPACED FROM SAID PANEL, SAID MECHANISM BEING DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID TIMER DEVICE AND SAID PANEL AND SAID POSTS PROVIDING AN OPENING AT ONE LATERAL SIDE OF THE ASSEMBLY THROUGH WHICH SAID MECHANISM CAN BE MOVED SIDEWISE AND INTO AND OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND MEANS HOLDING SAID MECHANISM ON SAID POSTS AND RELEASABLE TO PERMIT THE MECHANISM TO BE MOVED SIDEWISE OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT FIRST REMOVING SAID TIMER DEVICE. 